Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence

The prolonged war in Ukraine, alongside the wanton targeting of innocent civilians in Gaza and West Asia by the Israeli armed forces, underscore a reality, viz., that the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice have become mere bystanders, if not complicit, in most events of this nature. For political philosophers who still hark back to an earlier era, it should be evident that principles enunciated by the Dutch philosopher, Hugo Grotius (1583-1645), have today become part of the 'detritus of history'. The war in Gaza and Lebanon may have given Israel, and at one stage removed the United States, an impression that 'peace is at hand' in West Asia. Also, that they had effectively undermined the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance', and considerably reduced Tehran's influence in the region. 

A gift horse's teeth

The Finance-Minister outlined ₹20,000 crore budgetary sup-port for developing small modular reactors, with the goal of readying five such reactors by 2033. Another major initiative is the Research, Development, and Innovation fund, included in the Department of Science and Technology (DST)'s expected expenditure. While government funding has driven most scientific advancements, private investment in research has remained inadequate. Currently, private sector R&D contribution is only 36%; overall R&D spending in India was 0.64% of GDP in 2020, the lowest since 1995. 

An aerospace expo to further India's global presence

Aero India 2025, which is being held at the Indian Air Force station at Yelahanka in Bengaluru, is more than just an exhibition. It is a platform for innovation, strategic alliances, and technological advancement. As the 15th edition, the show is set to become a landmark event in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence production. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, this premier air show has grown to become a global hub for aerospace innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships. The theme this year, 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities', encapsulates India's commitment to fostering cutting-edge advancements in defence technology while opening new doors for international collaboration. As the Secretary (Defence Production), it is a matter of great pride for this writer to witness the remarkable transformation of India's aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. What began in 1996 as a modest aviation exposition, has, today, evolved into one of the most significant global defence events. 

India's opportunity at the AI Action Summit

India accepted France's invitation to cochair the AI Action Summit. This summit will be the third of its kind, following meetings focussed on AI safety in the U.K. (2023) and South Korea (2024). In addition to AI safety, the agenda at Paris is to focus on innovation, public interest AI, future of work, and Al governance issues - presenting India an opportunity to continue its global engagement on AI safety and also amplify the voice of the Global South on broader Al issues. The first meeting in Bletchley Park focussed on the safety of 'frontier Al models', the emerging risks of AI, and launched the U.K. AI Safety Institute (AISI). The second meeting in Seoul expanded the scope of the conversation to multilateral collaboration on AI risk management through a network of AISIS with countries/blocs such as the U.S., France, Singapore, Japan, and the European Union. With ministerial and high-level bureaucratic representation through the meetings, India has actively engaged in the global discourse on Al safety.

China contributes substantially to U.S. biggest imports

U.S. President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico amidst what the White House referred to as a national emergency caused by "illegal aliens and drugs". In retaliation, China said it would implement counter tariffs. Of the more than 75 countries with which the U.S. maintains trade relations, China accounted for 18% of all of its imported services between 2018 and 2023, which is the highest share, followed by Mexico (14%) and Canada (13%). The U.S. imported goods worth $17,000 billion between 2018 and 2023. Of these, electrical machinery and equipment accounted for 15%, vehicles and their parts accounted for 11%, and nuclear machinery and appliances, 9%. 

What does the Budget offer Railways?

Over the last decade, a staggering 13 lakh crore has been pumped into modernising infrastructure electrification has soared to 95%, track length has expanded, and rolling stock has seen record additions. And yet, the returns are underwhelming. Freight traffic is crawling at just over 2% growth, despite India's booming economy, and while passenger revenue is rising, patronage remains below pre-COVID levels. This Budget delivered more of the same accounting jugglery to keep the Operating Ratio (OR) below 100. The Railways-Minister said that immense thrust has been given for the development of infrastructure, modernisation of stations and trains, enhancement of connectivity, and safety and comfort of passengers. There was no mention of any increase in Kavach coverage for 2025-26. In fact, since the initial rollout of 1,465 km near Secunderabad, not a single kilometre has been added. The real sleight of hand, however, was the declaration that the IR is poised to become the world's second-largest freight carrier, touching 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo. Given India's size, this number in isolation is meaningless 

How has the Budget allocated funds for urban development?

The total outlay for urban development stands at ₹96,777 crore, higher than last year's Budget proposal of ₹82,576.57 crore. However, if a modest inflation rate is taken into consideration, there is actually a fall in the outlay. The Revised Estimate (RE) suggests that only 63,669.93 crore will be spent by March, reflecting an underutilisation rate of 22.9%. One of the biggest shortfalls is in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) [PMAY(U)], which had an allocation of ₹30,170.61 crore for FY 2024-25 but saw a drastic cut in RE to just ₹13,670 crore. A new Urban Challenge Fund of ₹10,000 crore has been introduced in the Budget. The government has set an ambitious target of 1 lakh crore to implement urban redevelopment programs.

While infrastructure investments are necessary, neglecting social and economic equity could widen existing disparities.

Plan to amend nuclear liability law may enthuse American, French firms

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris and Washington from Monday, the Union government's announcement that it would amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Dam-ages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, is likely to enthuse American and French nuclear power companies, whose projects have been deadlocked due to legal concerns for more than 15 years. However, experts who welcomed the decision, called for more clarity on the amendments. In addition, it is expected to help India tap into new nuclear power technologies, particularly for small modular reactors (SMR), now gaining popularity in developed economies.

Global confidence in India's aerospace capabilities is growing

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited HAL and saw the LCA-Mk1A jets, the de-liveries of which have been delayed due to engine delays and other issues. Amid delays in moder-nisation and falling fighter squadron strength, both the Russian Su-57 and American F-35, both fifth-generation fighters, will be present at Aero India. This year's Aero India, in its 15th edition, is spread over a total area of over 42,000 sq. m, with the confirmed participation of 931 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, making it the biggest till date. Mr. Rajnath Singh termed the participation of more than 90 countries a testament to the growing global confidence in India's aerospace and defence capabilities.

U.S. aircraft to be a major draw at Aero India

The fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet, the aerial refuelling tanker aircraft KC-135 Stratotanker, the B-1 supersonic heavy bomber, and F-16 fighter jets are among the aircraft from the U.S. that will be on display at the Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. This is the 15th time that the U.S. is participating in Asia's biggest air show. At Aero India, more than two dozen U.S. exhibitors will engage with Indian counterparts, explore new business opportunities, and demonstrate innovative solutions in aviation and defence. These companies will display advancements in unmanned aerial systems, fighter aircraft, advanced avionics, and defence electronics.